Ionic compounds and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

There are provided compounds of formulas (IV), and (IVa):  
                 
 
Various chemical entities can be used for R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , and R 12 . These compounds can be particularly useful as anti-static agents or for preparing redox couples.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority on U.S. provisional application No. 60/635,015 filed on Dec. 13, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in the field of electrochemistry. In particular, this invention relates to compositions that can be used for various purposes such as anti-static agents or for preparing redox couples or reversible switchable systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sun is a free and unlimited renewable source of energy. It can be converted directly to electricity by using p-n heterojunction solar cells (like silicon-based devices), electrochemical photovoltaic cells (EPC's) or dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC 's). EPC's are systems based on a junction between a semiconductor (p-type or n-type) and an electrolyte containing one redox couple; an auxiliary electrode completes the device. Owing to the built-in potential developed at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface, the photogenerated electrons and holes are separated and used to undergo oxidation and reduction reactions at the electrodes, respectively with the reduced and oxidized species of the redox couple. On the other hand, DSSC's are systems based on a junction between dye-chemisorbed nanocristalline TiO₂ particles, deposited on a conductive glass substrate, and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing the I⁻/I₃ ⁻ redox couple; a platinum-coated conductive glass electrode completes the device. In such systems, the light absorption (by the dye molecules) and charge-carrier transport (in the conduction band of the semiconductor to the charge collector) processes are separated. Homogeneous oxidation of I⁻ species serves to regenerate the photoexcited dye molecules whereas the heterogeneous reduction of I₃ ⁻ species takes place at the platinum-coated electrode.

There is extensive prior art on EPC's and DSSC 's. However, one main issue still to resolve is to find a redox couple that is electrochemically stable, non-corrosive, with a high degree of reversibility and a high electropositive (in conjunction with n-type semiconductors) or electronegative (in conjunction with p-type semiconductors) potential, and colorless when used in concentrations allowing high electrolyte ionic conductivities.

I⁻/I₃ ⁻ is the most investigated redox couple for DSSC 's. Cations may be alkali metals or organic cations containing quaternary ammonium groups such as dialkylimidazolium (Stathatos et al., Chem. Mater., 15, 1825 (2003)). The main limitations of this system are (i) the fact that it absorbs a significant part of the visible light of the solar spectrum when used in the concentration range giving reasonably good ionic conductivities (which leads to a decrease in the energy conversion efficiency); (ii) its too low redox potential (which limits the device photovoltage); (iii) its reactivity towards silver (which prevents the use of this metal as a current collector); and (iv) the high volatility of the electrolyte when usual organic solvents are employed (which causes an irreversible instability of the device).

Nusbaumer et al. in Chem. Eur. J., 9, 3756 (2003) studied alternative redox couples for DSSC's based on much more expensive cobalt complexes. Although the fact that these systems are less colored and possess more positive potential than the I⁻/I₃ ⁻ redox couple, the oxidized species (Co^(III)) may be reduced at the conductive glass acting as a substrate for the TiO₂ particles, in which case the energy conversion efficiency is decreased. Moreover, regeneration of the dye molecules by the reduced species (Co^(II)) (absolutely necessary to the operation of the device) may become more difficult due to association of the oxidized species (Co^(III)) with the sensitizer.

In EPC's, various redox couples dissolved in water were studied, such as Fe(CN)₆ ⁴⁻/Fe(CN)₆ ³⁻, I⁻/I₃ ⁻, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, S²⁻/S_(n) ²⁻, Se²⁻/Se_(n) ²⁻ and V²⁺/V³⁺, and devices exhibiting a good energy conversion efficiency were generally unstable under sustained white light illumination due to photocorrosion of the semiconductor electrode. The use of non-aqueous electrolytic media (liquid, gel or polymer) could eliminate the photocorrosion process, but in these cases the number of redox couples is very limited. For examples, the I⁻/I₃ ⁻ (Skotheim and Inganas, J. Electrochem. Soc., 132, 2116 (1985)) and S²⁻/S_(n) ²⁻ (Vijh and Marsan, Bull. Electrochem., 5, 456 (1989)) redox couples were dissolved in polyethylene oxide (PEO) and modified PEO, respectively, and investigated in EPC's. In addition to the coloration and potential problems occurring with the I⁻/I₃ ⁻ couple, as mentioned above, the device stability has not been demonstrated. Regarding the S²⁻/S_(n) ²⁻ redox couple, the same problems were observed but in this case the stability under white light illumination has been reported.

A cesium thiolate (CsT)/disulfide (T₂) redox couple, where T⁻ stands for 5-mercapto-1-methyltetrazolate ion and T₂ for the corresponding disulfide, was dissolved in modified PEO and studied in an EPC (Philias and Marsan, Electrochim. Acta, 44, 2915 (1999)). Its more positive potential than that of the S²⁻/S_(n) ²⁻ redox couple, its better dissociation in organic media including polymers (giving much more conductive electrolytes) and its much less intense coloration are responsible for the significant increase of the device energy conversion efficiency. Despite this improvement, the T⁻/T₂ redox couple is quite electrochemically irreversible, with a difference between the anodic (E_(pa)) and cathodic (E_(pc)) peak potentials, symbolized as ΔE_(p), of 1.70 V at a platinum electrode (scanning speed of 100 mV/s), even when put in a more conductive gel electrolyte comprising 50 mM of T⁻ and 5 mM of T₂ dissolved in 80% DMF/DMSO (60/40) and incorporated in 20% poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVdF. Furthermore, its solubility is not very good in organic media.

Smith et al. in J. Org. Chem., 65, 8831 (2000) studied the redox hydrogen-bonded system formed from host-guest interactions with organic molecules that can bind through hydrogen bond and found that the redox couple of phenanthrenequinone (host) and urea (guest) undergoes a reversible one-electron reduction in aprotic medium. Collinson et al. gave more details about different kinds of redox-switched binding compounds (Collinson et al., Chem., soc., Rev.. 31, 147-156, 2002). The articles of Smith et al. and Collinson et al. are hereby incorporated by reference.

Thus, based on prior art relative to redox couples for EPC's and DSSC'S, there are no redox couples permitting to considerably optimize the device energy conversion efficiency.

Therefore, new redox couples having improved properties with respect to the redox couples of the prior art would be highly desired. Moreover, redox couples permitting to avoid the drawbacks of the prior art are also highly desired. Finally, compositions or precursors that permit to easily prepare such redox couples would also highly be desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a composition comprising a first compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of formulas (I), (III), (V), and (VII), and a second compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of formulas (II), (IV), (VI), and (VIII):

-   -   wherein         -   R¹, R² and R³ are the same or different and are selected             from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl             which is linear or branched, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₁₂             heterocyclyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₆-C₁₂ aryl,             C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, C₆-C₂₀ alkylaryl, C₁-C₁₂ heteroaryl, and             part of polymer chain or network, or         -   R¹ and R² are joined together to form a 5 to 14 membered             heterocyclyl in which R³ is absent, a hydrogen atom, or a             bond between N and R¹ or between N and R²; or to form a 5 to             14 membered heteroaryl in which R³ is absent, a hydrogen             atom, a bond between N and R¹ or between N and R², or is a             part of polymer chain or network;         -   R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are selected             from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl             which is linear or branched, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₁₂             heterocyclyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₆-C₁₂ aryl,             C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, C₆-C₂₀ alkylaryl, C₁-C₁₂ heteroaryl,             (CH₃)₂N—, (C₂H₅)₂N—, (C₃H₇)₂N—, (C₄H₉)₂N—, (i-Pr)₂N—,             C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S),             Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, Me₃P═N—, and part of polymer chain or             network, or         -   R⁴ and R⁵ are joined together to form a 5 to 14 membered             heterocyclyl in which R⁶ is absent, a hydrogen atom, or a             bond between P and R⁴ or between P and R⁵; or to form a 5 to             14 membered heteroaryl ring in which R⁶ is absent, a             hydrogen atom, a bond between P and R⁴ or between P and R⁵,             or is a part of polymer chain or network;         -   R⁷ and R⁶ are the same or different and are selected from             the group consisting of H, CF₃, C_(n)F_(2n+1), SO₂H—,             —SO₂CF₃, —NSO₂CF₃—, —SO₂CH₃, —NSO₂CH₃, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is             linear or branched, C₆-C₁₂ aryl, C_(n)H_(2n+1), CN, NO₂,             Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—,             Me₃P═N—, C₆H₅C_(p)H_(2p)—, C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄—,             C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄C_(n)H_(2n)—, CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)—,             CH₂═CHC₆H₅—, CH₂═CHC₆H₄C_(p)H_(2p+1)—,             CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)C₆H₄—,             and part of polymer chain or network;         -   R⁹ and R¹⁰ are the same or different and are selected from             the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which             is linear or branched, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₁₂             heterocyclyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₆-C₁₂ aryl,             C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, C₆-C₂₀ alkylaryl, C₁-C₁₂ heteroaryl, and             part of polymer chain or network, or R⁹ and R¹⁰ are joined             together to form a 5 to 7 membered heterocyclyl or             heteroaryl; and         -   X⁻ is (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₃C⁻,             CF₃SO₃ ⁻, CF₃COO⁻, AsF₆ ⁻, CH₃COO⁻, (CN)₂N⁻, NO₃ ⁻, 2.3HF,             Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, ClO₄ ⁻, saccharin(o-benzoic             sulfimide), (C₈H₁₆SO₂)₂N⁻, or C₃H₃N₂ ⁻;         -   Z is C, N or As;     -   the alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl,         aralkyl, alkylaryl, and heteroaryl being unsubstituted or         substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group         consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OH, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a C₁-C₆ hydroxy         alkyl, NO₂, CN, CF₃, SO₃ ⁻, C_(n)F_(2n+1), C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is         linear or branched, C₆-C₁₂ aryl, C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—,         Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, Me₃P═N—,         C₆H₅C_(p)H_(2p)—, C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄—,         C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄C_(n)H_(2n)—, CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)—, CH₂═CHC₆H₅—,         CH₂═CHC₆H₄C_(p)H_(2p+1)—, and CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)C₆H₄—where n is         an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably 1 to 12) and         p is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably 1 to         12).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising a compound of formula (I) and a compound of formula (II); a compound of formula (III) and a compound of formula (IV); a compound of formula (V) and a compound of formula (VI); or a compound of formula (VII) and a compound of formula (VIII), the compounds of formulas (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V), (VI), (VII) or (VIII) being as previously defined.

It was found that the compositions of the present invention can be useful as precursors to redox couples. In fact, it was shown that such compositions can be easily activated so as to be converted into a redox couple. These compositions are simple, easy to prepare and to convert into redox couples. It was also found that such compositions can be used to efficiently prepare redox couples without involving tedious tasks. Moreover, it has been found that these compositions have a good thermal stability, a good solubility in various solvents. It also has been found that these compositions are substantially colorless at concentrations permitting a good conductivity. Finally, it was found that such compositions can be used as anti-static agents or in the manufacture of articles having anti-static properties.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for preparing a redox couple, the kit comprising a composition according to the present invention, together with instructions indicating how to convert at least a part of the composition into a redox couple.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for preparing a redox couple, the kit comprising:

-   -   a compound of formula (I), (III), (V), or (VII);     -   instructions indicating how to convert at least a part of the         compound of formula (I), (III), (V), or (VII) into its         conjugated acid of formula (II), (IV), (VI), or (VIII),         respectively, so as to obtain a composition comprising a         compound of formula (I) and a compound of formula (II); a         compound of formula (III) and a compound of formula (IV); a         compound of formula (V) and a compound of formula (VI); or a         compound of formula (VII) and a compound of formula (VIII); and     -   instructions indicating how to convert at least a part of the         composition into a redox couple,     -   wherein the compounds of formulas (I), (II), (III), (IV) (V),         (VI), (VII) or (VIII) are as previously defined. Such a kit         preferably further comprises a proton source such as a compound         of formula HX, where X is as previously defined. Alternatively,         the kit can also comprise another type of proton source such as         a catalyst, or a proton exchange resin so as to convert the         compound of formula (I), (III), (V), or (VII).

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising:

-   -   a first compound selected from the group consisting of compounds         of formulas (I), (III), (V), and (VII), and a second compound         selected from the group consisting of compounds of formulas         (II), (IV), (VI), and (VIII); and     -   instructions indicating how to prepare a redox couple from the         compounds,     -   wherein the compounds of formulas (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V),         (VI), (VII) or (VIII) are as previously defined. Such a kit         preferably comprises a compound of formula (I) and a compound of         formula (II); a compound of formula (III) and a compound of         formula (IV); a compound of formula (V) and a compound of         formula (VI); or a compound of formula (VII) and a compound of         formula (VIII).

It was found that the kits of the present invention can be useful for expediently prepare redox couples. In fact, these kits can be used to simply, rapidly and at low costs prepare redox couples. By using, these kits, redox couples can be prepared without having recourse to tedious or complicated tasks.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for preparing a redox couple comprising the step of activating a composition as defined in the present invention so as to convert at least a part of the composition into the redox couple. The activating step can be carried out by withdrawing at least one electron to a compound of the composition. The activating step is preferably carried out by means of an electron source. The composition can be prepared by reacting a selected amount of the first compound of formula (I), (III), (V), or (VII) with a proton source so as to obtain the second compound and then mixing together another selected amount of the first compound with the second compound so as to obtain the composition. Alternatively, a proton source, in an equimolar ratio less than 1, can be added to the first compound (i.e. if as example 1 mole of the first compound is used, less than 1 mole of proton will be used) so that such an addition of proton to the first compound permits to obtain the composition comprising the first and second compounds.

It was found that such a process can be very efficient in the preparation of a redox couple. Such a process implies only simple reagents and can be easily and rapidly carried out.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a redox couple according to any one of schemes 1 to 4:

-   -   wherein         -   R¹, R² and R³ are the same or different and are selected             from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl             which is linear or branched, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₁₂             heterocyclyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₆-C₁₂ aryl,             C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, C₆-C₂₀ alkylaryl, C₁-C₁₂ heteroaryl , and             part of polymer chain or network, or         -   R¹ and R² are joined together to form a 5 to 14 membered             heterocyclyl in which R³ is absent, a hydrogen atom, or a             bond between N and R¹ or between N and R²; or to form a 5 to             14 membered heteroaryl in which R³ is absent, a hydrogen             atom, a bond between N and R¹ or between N and R², or is a             part of polymer chain or network;         -   R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are selected             from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl             which is linear or branched, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₁₂             heterocyclyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₆-C₁₂ aryl,             C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, C₆-C₂₀ alkylaryl, C₁-C₁₂ heteroaryl,             (CH₃)₂N—, (C₂H₅)₂N—, (C₃H₇)₂N—, (C₄H₉)₂N—, (i-Pr)₂N—,             C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S),             Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, Me₃P═N—, and part of polymer chain or             network, or         -   R⁴ and R⁵ are joined together to form a 5 to 14 membered             heterocyclyl in which R⁶ is absent, a hydrogen atom, or a             bond between P and R⁴ or between P and R⁵; or to form a 5 to             14 membered heteroaryl ring in which R⁶ is a absent, a             hydrogen atom, a bond between P and R⁴ or between P and R⁵,             or is a part of polymer chain or network;         -   R⁷ and R⁸ are the same or different and are selected from             the group consisting of H, CF₃, C_(n)F_(2n+1), SO₂H—,             —SO₂CF₃, —NSO₂CF₃—, —SO₂CH₃, —NSO₂CH₃, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is             linear or branched, C₆-C₁₂ aryl, C_(n)H_(2n+1), CN, NO₂,             Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—,             Me₃P═N—, C₆H₅C_(p)H_(2p)—, C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄—,             C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄C_(n)H_(2n)—, CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)—,             CH₂═CHC₆H₅—, CH₂═CHC₆H₄C_(p)H_(2p+1)—,             CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)C₆H₄—,             and a part of polymer chain or network;         -   R⁹ and R¹⁰ are the same or different and are selected from             the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which             is linear or branched, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₁₂             heterocyclyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₆-C₁₂ aryl,             C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, C₆-C₂₀ alkylaryl, C₁-C₁₂ heteroaryl, and a             part of polymer chain or network, or         -   R⁹ and R¹⁰ are joined together to form a 5 to 7 membered             heterocyclyl or heteroaryl; and         -   X⁻ is (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₃C⁻,             CF₃SO₃ ⁻, CF₃COO⁻, AsF₆ ⁻, CH₃COO⁻, (CN)₂N⁻, NO₃ ⁻, 2.3HF,             Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, ClO₄ ⁻, saccharin(o-benzoic             sulfimide), (C₈H₁₆SO₂)₂N⁻, or C₃H₃N₂ ⁻;         -   Z is C, N or As;     -   the alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl,         aralkyl, alkylaryl, and heteroaryl being unsubstituted or         substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group         consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OH, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a C₁-C₆ hydroxy         alkyl, NO₂, CN, CF₃, SO₃ ⁻, C_(n)F_(2n+1), C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is         linear or branched, C₆-C₁₂ aryl, C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—,         Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, Me₃P═N—,         C₆H₅C_(p)H_(2p)—, C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄—,         C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄C_(n)H₂N—, CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)—, CH₂═CHC₆H₅—,         CH₂═CHC₆H₄C_(p)H_(2p+1)—, and CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)C₆H₄—.         where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably 1         to 12) and p is an integer having a value from 1 to 48         (preferably 1 to 12).

It was found that the redox couples of the present invention can have a high reversibility since they have a very small ΔE_(p). Moreover, it has been found that these redox couples have a good thermal stability, a good solubility in various solvents and an excellent ionic conductivity in a non-aqueous medium. It also has been found that these redox couples are substantially colorless at concentrations permitting a good conductivity. Such characteristics make them particularly interesting in various applications like solar cells or photovoltaic cells. It also has been found that some members of these couples are highly electropositive and some others are highly electronegative. It also has been found that these redox couples do not have tendency to corrode other components when used in devices such as solar cells or photovoltaic cells.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a redox-switchable system according to any one of schemes 10 to 13:

-   -   wherein         -   R¹, R² and R³ are the same or different and are selected             from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl             which is linear or branched, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₁₂             heterocyclyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₆-C₁₂ aryl,             C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, C₆-C₂₀ alkylaryl, C₁-C₁₂ heteroaryl, and             part of polymer chain or network, or         -   R¹ and R² are joined together to form a 5 to 14 membered             heterocyclyl in which R³ is absent, a hydrogen atom, or a             bond between N and R¹ or between N and R²; or to form a 5 to             14 membered heteroaryl in which R³ is absent, a hydrogen             atom, a bond between N and R¹ or between N and R², or is a             part of polymer chain or network;         -   R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are the same or different and are selected             from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl             which is linear or branched, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₁₂             heterocyclyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₆-C₁₂ aryl,             C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, C₆-C₂₀ alkylaryl, C₁-C₁₂ heteroaryl,             (CH₃)₂N—, (C₂H₅)₂N—, (C₃H₇)₂N—, (C₄H₉)₂N—, (i-Pr)₂N—,             C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S),             Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, Me₃P═N—, and part of polymer chain or             network, or         -   R⁴ and R⁵ are joined together to form a 5 to 14 membered             heterocyclyl in which R⁶ is absent, a hydrogen atom, or a             bond between P and R⁴ or between P and R⁵; or to form a 5 to             14 membered heteroaryl ring in which R⁶ is absent, a             hydrogen atom, a bond between P and R⁴ or between P and R⁵,             or is a part of polymer chain or network;         -   R⁷ and R⁸ are the same or different and are selected from             the group consisting of H, CF₃, C_(n)F_(2n+1), —SO₂H,             —SO₂CF₃, —NSO₂CF₃, —SO₂CH₃, —NSO₂CH₃, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is             linear or branched, C₆-C₁₂ aryl, C_(n)H_(2n+1), CN, NO₂,             Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—,             Me₃P═N—, C₆H₅C_(p)H_(2p)—, C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄—,             C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄C_(n)H₂N—, CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)—, CH₂═CHC₆H₅—,             CH₂═CHC₆H₄C_(p)H_(2p+1)—, CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)C₆H₄—,             and part of polymer chain or network,         -   R⁹ and R¹⁰ are the same or different and are selected from             the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which             is linear or branched, C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₁₂             heterocyclyl, C₂-C₈ alkenyl, C₂-C₈ alkynyl, C₆-C₁₂ aryl,             C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, C₆-C₂₀ alkylaryl, C₁-C₁₂ heteroaryl, and             part of polymer chain or network, or R⁹ and R¹⁰ are joined             together to form a 5 to 7 membered heterocyclyl or             heteroaryl; and         -   X⁻ is (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₃C⁻,             CF₃SO₃ ⁻, CF₃COO⁻, AsF₆ ⁻, CH₃COO⁻, (CN)₂N⁻, NO₃ ⁻, 2.3HF,             Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, ClO₄ ⁻, saccharin(o-benzoic             sulfimide), (C₈H₁₆SO₂)₂N⁻, or C₃H₃N₂ ⁻;         -   Z is C, N or As;             the alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl,             aralkyl, alkylaryl, and heteroaryl being unsubstituted or             substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group             consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OH, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a C₁-C₆             hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, CF₃, SO₃—, C_(n)F_(2n+1), C₁-C₁₂             alkyl which is linear or branched, C₆-C₁₂ aryl,             C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S),             Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, Me₃P═N—, C₆H₅C_(p)H_(2p)—,             C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄—, C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄C_(n)H₂N—,             CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)—, CH₂═CHC₆H₅—, CH₂=CHC₆H₄C_(p)H_(2p+1)—,             and CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)C₆H₄—.             where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48             (preferably 1 to 12) and p is an integer having a value from             1 to 48 (preferably 1 to 12).

The expression “electron activation” is used herein as a synonym of “electron transfer”.

The expression “part of polymer chain or network” as used herein when referring to a particular group, such as a R group, means that such a R group is part of a polymer matrix, chain or resin or that such a R group is linked to a polymer matrix, chain or resin.

The term “aryl” as used herein refers to a cyclic or polycyclic aromatic ring. Preferably, the aryl group is phenyl or napthyl.

The term “heteroaryl” as used herein refers to an aromatic cyclic or fused polycyclic ring system having at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S. Preferred heteroaryl groups are furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, triazolyl, pyrrolyl, tetrazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, carbazolyl, benzoxazolyl, pyrimidinyl, benzimidazolyl, quinoxalinyl, benzothiazolyl, naphthyridinyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, purinyl, quinazolinyl, and so on.

The term “heterocyclyl” includes non-aromatic rings or ring systems that contain at least one ring having at least one hetero atom (such as nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur). Preferably, this term includes all of the fully saturated and partially unsaturated derivatives of the above mentioned heteroaryl groups. Examples of heterocyclic groups include pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, and imidazolidinyl.

The compositions of the present invention can be suitable as electron activable precursors for various redox couples. These compositions, upon electron activation, can be suitable for acting as redox couples. Allternatively, upon electron activation, these compositions can be at least partially converted into redox couples. Preferably, the electron activation is carried out by withdrawing at least one electron to a compound of composition. The compositions of the invention can be effective as precursors to a redox couples, the precursors being electron activable in order to be converted into the redox couples. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise a compound of formula (I) and a compound of formula (II); a compound of formula (III) and a compound of formula (IV); a compound of formula (V) and a compound of formula (VI); or a compound of formula (VII) and a compound of formula (VIII).

In the compositions of the present invention, the first compound can be present in a molar ratio of about 0.1 to about 99.9% and the second compound can be present in a molar ratio of about 99.9 to about 0.1%. The first compound is preferably present in the composition in a molar ratio of about 10.0 to about 90.0% and the second compound is preferably present in a molar ratio of about 90.0 to about 10.0%.

The compositions, upon electron activation, can have a conductivity of at least 10⁻⁷ S/cm (preferably at least 10⁻⁶ S/cm, more preferably at least 10⁻⁴ S/cm) at 25° C. at a 1 mM concentration for each of the first and second compounds. Alternatively, the conductivity can be of about 10⁻⁷ S/cm to about 1 S/cm at 25° C. and at a 1 mM concentration for each of the first and second compounds.

The unactivated compositions (without any electron activation) can have a conductivity of at least 10⁻¹² S/cm (preferably at least 10⁻⁷ S/cm, more preferably at least 10⁻⁶ S/cm) at 25° C. at a concentration of about 1 mM to 100 mM for each of the first and second compounds. Alternatively, the conductivity can be of about 10⁻¹² S/cm to about 10⁻⁶ S/cm at 25° C. and at a 1 mM concentration for each of the first and second compounds.

The compositions of the present invention can be in a solid form and/or in a liquid form at room temperature. The compositions can be used as precursors to redox couples or as anti-static agents. They can also be used for preparing corresponding redox couples or in the manufacture of redox couples, wherein the compositions are electron activated in order to obtain the redox couples. Alternatively, they can be used in the manufacture of articles having anti-static properties. Such articles can be papers, textiles, polymers, clothes, inks, waxes, cleaning compositions, softening compositions or agents, petroleum-based compositions, compositions comprising volatile or flammable ingredients, molded objects, shaped articles, various articles comprising a polymer, a part of an electronic device (such as a computer, TV, DVD, CD player, etc.)

The compositions of the present invention can also be used as non-aqueous proton donor-acceptors to support ionic conduction in proton conducting membranes. They can also be used as proton donor-acceptors to support ionic conduction in proton conducting membranes or as anti-static agents effective in a non-polar medium. The non-polar medium can be petroleum or a derivative thereof, a polymer (such as polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorides, polystyrenes, polyesters, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, or polyethylenetherephtalates), a textile or an ink. The non-polar medium can also be a non-polar solvent such as hydrocarbons and particularly alkanes, preferably C₅-C₁₅ alkanes.

In the compositions, kits, and redox-switchable systems of the present invention comprising a compound of formula (I), preferably no more than one of R¹, R² and R³ represents an hydrogen atom. When they comprise a compound of formula (II), preferably no more than one of R¹, R² and R³ represents an hydrogen atom. When they comprise a compound of formula (III), preferably no more than one of R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ represents an hydrogen atom. When they comprise a compound of formula (IV), preferably no more than one of R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ represents an hydrogen atom. When they comprise a compound of formula (V), preferably no more than one of R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ represents an hydrogen atom. When they comprise a compound of formula (VI), preferably no more than one of R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ represents an hydrogen atom. When they comprise a compound of formula (VII), preferably no more than one of R⁹ and R¹⁰ represents an hydrogen atom. When they comprise a compound of formula (VIII), preferably no more than one of R⁹ and R¹⁰ represents an hydrogen atom.

In the redox couples of scheme 1, preferably no more than one of R¹, R² and R³ (connected to a same nitrogen atom) represents an hydrogen atom. In the redox couples of scheme 2, preferably no more than one of R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ (connected to a same phosphorus atom) represents an hydrogen atom. In the redox couples of scheme 3, preferably no more than one of R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ (connected to a same phosphorus atom) represents an hydrogen atom. In the redox couples of scheme 4, preferably no more than one of R⁹ and R¹⁰ (connected to a same sulphur atom) represents an hydrogen atom.

The redox couples of the present invention can be used in a solar cell, a fuel cell, a battery, a sensor or a display. They can also be used as electronic conductors in a non-polar medium.

The redox-switchable systems of the invention can be used in a solar cell, a fuel cell, a battery, a sensor or a display. They can also be used as a proton donor-acceptor to support ionic conduction in proton conducting membranes or as anti-static agents. These anti-static agents are preferably used in a non-polar medium. Such a medium is preferably petroleum or a derivative thereof, a polymer (such as polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorides, polystyrenes, polyesters, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, or polyethylenetherephtalates), a textile, or an ink. The non-polar medium can be a non-polar solvent such as hydrocarbons, preferably alkanes, and more preferably C₅-C₁₅ alkanes.

The redox couples and the redox-switchable systems of the invention can have a ΔE_(p) lower than 1000 mV at 100 mV/s, preferably lower than 500 mV at 100 mV/s, more preferably lower than 300 mV at 100 mV/s, even more preferably lower than 200 mV at 100 mV/s, and still even more preferably lower than 150 mV at 100 mV/s. Alternatively, the ΔE_(p) can be of about 100 to about 500 mV at 100 mV/s or about 150 to about 250 mV at 100 mV/s.

The compounds, compositions, redox couples, and redox-switchable systems of the present invention can be soluble in a solvent selected from the group consisting of CH₃CN, CH₂Cl₂, EtOH, isopropanol, DMSO, amides (such as DMF), hexane, heptane, linear carbonates (such as dimethylcarbonate, diethylcarbonate, ethylmethylcarbonate), cyclic esters (such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate), urea (tetramethylurea), ionic liquids such as dialkylimidazolium, trialkylsulfonium, and quaternary amine (such as C₁-C₂₀ tetraalkylammonium) and quaternary phosphonium (such as C₁-C₂₀ tetraalkylphosphonium or C₆-C₁₂ tetraarylphosphonium) salts associated with stable anion such as (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₃C⁻, CF₃SO₃ ⁻, CF₃COO⁻, AsF₆ ⁻, CH₃COO⁻, (CN)₂N⁻, NO₃ ⁻, 2.3HF, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, ClO₄ ⁻ and mixtures of these solvents. Preferably, the compounds, compositions, redox couples, and redox-switchable systems of the present invention are soluble in a solvent selected from the group consisting of CH₃CN, amides (such as DMF), linear carbonates (such as dimethylcarbonate, diethylcarbonate, ethylmethylcarbonate), cyclic esters (such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate), ionic liquids such as dialkylimidazolium, trialkylsulfonium, and quaternary amine (such as C₁-C₂₀ tetraalkylammonium) and quaternary phosphonium (such as C₁-C₂₀ tetraalkylphosphonium or C₆-C₁₂ tetraarylphosphonium) salts associated with stable anion such as (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₃C⁻, CF₃SO₃ ⁻, CF₃COO⁻, AsF₆ ⁻, CH₃COO⁻, (CN)₂N⁻, NO₃ ⁻, 2.3HF, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, ClO₄ ⁻ and mixture of these solvents. The compounds, compositions, redox couples, and redox-switchable systems of the present invention can be in a solid form or powder form at room temperature, preferably at 25° C. They can also be liquid at room temperature, preferably at 25° C.

The redox couples and redox-switchable systems of the present invention can further comprise a supporting electrolyte (such as TBAP (tetrabutylammoniumperchlorate) K⁺TFSI⁻, K+FSI⁻, tetraalkylammonium with PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻ or ClO₄ ⁻, or imidazolium with PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻ or ClO₄ ⁻).

The compositions of the present invention, when dissolved into a solvent as previously defined, are preferably solutions and more preferably homogeneous solutions.

In the compounds, compositions, kits, redox couples, and redox-switchable systems of the present invention, X is preferably (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₃C⁻, CF₃SO3⁻, (CN)₂N⁻, PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻ or ClO₄ ⁻. More preferably, X⁻ is (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻. (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻ is also called TFSI or bis(trifluoromethanesulfinimide) ion.

The compositions and the redox-switchable systems are preferably in the form of uncolored and/or translucent solutions. They can have, in the visible region of the light spectrum, i.e. 400 nm to 700 nm., an absorbance of about 0.01 to about 0.50 (preferably of about 0.02 to about 0.10). In such a region of the spectrum, the composition of the present invention can have an absorption below 1.0, preferably below 0.75, more preferably below 0.50, even more preferably below 0.25, and still even more preferably below 0.1. An absorbance below 0.05 is particularly preferred and an absorbance below 0.03 is even more particularly preferred.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions and the kits of the present invention can comprise a compound of formula (Ia) and a compound of formula (IIa):

-   -   wherein R¹¹ is a C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is linear or branched,         C₃-C12 cycloalkyl, C₆H₅—, C_(n)H_(2n+1), C₆H₅C_(p)H_(2p)—,         C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄—, C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄C_(n)H_(2n)—,         CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)—, CH₂═CHC₆H₅—, CH₂═CHCH₂—, CH₂═CHCH₂CH₂—,         -   and X is as previously defined,     -   where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably 1         to 12), and p is an integer having a value from 1 to 48         (preferably 1 to 12). R¹¹ is preferably CH₃.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions and the kits of the present invention can comprise a compound of formula (Ib) and a compound of formula (IIb):

-   -   wherein R¹¹ and X⁻ are as previously defined for (Ia) and (IIa).

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions and the kits of the present invention can comprise a compound of formula (Ic) and a compound of formula (IIc):

-   -   wherein X⁻ is as previously defined.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions and the kits of the present invention can comprise a compound of formula (IIIa) and a compound of formula (IVa):

-   -   wherein R¹² is phenyl, naphtyl, pyridyl, furyl, or thiophenyl,         R¹² being unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 3 substituents         selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OH, a C₁-C₆         alkoxy, a C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, (CH₃)₂N—, (C₂H₅)₂N—,         (C₃H₇)₂N—, (C₄H₉)₂N—, (i-Pr)₂N—, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is linear or         branched, C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P,         Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, and Me₃P═N—; and X⁻ is as previously         defined,     -   where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably 1         to 12).

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions and the kits of the present invention can comprise a compound of formula (IIIb) and a compound of formula (IVb):

-   -   wherein X⁻ is as previously defined.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions and the kits of the present invention can comprise a compound of formula (Va) and a compound of formula (VIa):

-   -   wherein         -   R¹² is phenyl, naphtyl, pyridyl, furyl, or thiophenyl, R¹²             being unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 3 substituents             selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OH, a             C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl             which is linear or branched, C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, C₁-C₆             alkoxy, OC₆H₅, and OCH₂—C₆H₅;         -   R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same or different and are selected from             the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, H, CN, NO₂,             (CH₃)₂N—, (C₂H₅)₂N—, (C₃H₇)₂N—, (C₄H₉)₂N—, (i-Pr)₂N—, C₁-C₁₂             alkyl which is linear or branched, C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—,             Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, Me₃P═N—,             —SO₂H, —SO₂CF₃, —NSO₂CF₃, —SO₂CH₃, and —NSO₂CH₃; and X⁻ is             as previously defined;     -   where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably 1         to 12).

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions and the kits of the present invention can comprise a compound of formula (Vb) and a compound of formula (VIb):

-   -   wherein X⁻ is as previously defined.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions and the kits of the present invention can comprise a compound of formula (VIIa) and a compound of formula (VIIIa):

-   -   wherein R¹² is phenyl, naphtyl, pyridyl, furyl, or thiophenyl,         R¹² being unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 3 substituents         selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, 1, OH, C₁-C₁₂         alkyl which is linear or branched, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a C₁-C₆         hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, OC₆H₅, OCH₂—C₆H₅, CF₃, and C₂F₅; and X⁻         is as previously defined.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the compositions and the kits of the present invention can comprise a compound of formula (VIIb) and a compound of formula (VIIIb):

-   -   wherein X⁻ is as previously defined.

The person skilled in the art would clearly recognize that in the compositions or kits of the present invention, in the formulas as previously defined, the basic member (or base) is at the left side and the protonated member (or conjugated acid) is at the right side.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the redox couples can be as defined in scheme (5):

-   -   wherein R¹¹ is a C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is linear or branched,         C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₆H₅—, C_(n)H_(2n+1), C₆H₅C_(p)H_(2p)—,         C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄—, C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄C_(n)H_(2n)—,         CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)—, CH₂═CHC₆H₅—, CH₂═CHCH₂—, CH₂═CHCH₂CH₂—,         -   and X⁻ is as previously defined,     -   where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably 1         to 12), and p is an integer having a value from 1 to 48         (preferably 1 to 12). R¹¹ is preferably CH₃.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the redox couple can be as defined in scheme (6):

wherein R¹¹ and X are as previously defined in scheme (5). R¹¹ is preferably CH₃.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the redox couples can be as defined in scheme (7):

-   -   wherein R¹² is phenyl, naphtyl, pyridyl, furyl, or thiophenyl,         R¹² being unsubstituted or substituted with F, Cl, Br, I, OH, a         C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, (CH₃)₂N—,         (C₂H₅)₂N—, (C₃H₇)₂N—, (C₄H₉)₂N—, (i-Pr)₂N—, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which         is linear or branched, C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—,         Me₂P, Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, or Me₃P═N-; X⁻ is as previously         defined,     -   where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably         from 1 to 12). R¹² is preferably phenyl.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the redox couples can be as defined in scheme (8):

-   -   wherein         -   R¹² is phenyl, naphtyl, pyridyl, furyl, or thiophenyl, R¹²             being unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 3 substituents             selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OH, a             C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl             which is linear or branched, C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, C₁-C₆             alkoxy, OC₆H₅, and OCH₂—C₆H₅;         -   R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same or different and are selected from             the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, H, CN, NO₂,             (CH₃)₂N—, (C₂H₅)₂N—, (C₃H₇)₂N—, (C₄H₉)₂N—, (i-Pr)₂N—, C₁-C₁₂             alkyl which is linear or branched, C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—,             Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, Me₃P═N—,             —SO₂H, —SO₂CF₃, —NSO₂CF₃, —SO₂CH₃, and —NSO₂CH₃; and X⁻ is             as previously defined;     -   where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably 1         to 12). Preferably, R¹² is phenyl, R¹³ is CN, and R¹⁴ is H.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the redox couples can be as defined in scheme (9):

-   -   wherein R¹² is phenyl, naphtyl, pyridyl, furyl, or thiophenyl,         R¹² being unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 3 substituents         selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OH, C₁-C₁₂         alkyl which is linear or branched, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a C₁-C₆         hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, OC₆H₅, OCH₂-C₆H₅, CF₃, or C₂F₅, and X⁻         as previously defined. R¹² is preferably phenyl.

The person skilled in the art would clearly recognize that in the redox couples of the present invention, as defined in any one of the previously presented schemes, the reduced member is at the left side of the arrow and the oxidized member is at the right side of the arrow. The person skilled in the art will also understand that each of the schemes represents a family of redox couples covering several possibilities.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the redox-switchable systems can be as defined in scheme (14):

-   -   wherein R¹¹ is a C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is linear or branched,         C₃-C₁₂ cycloalkyl, C₆H₅—, C_(n)H_(2n+1), C₆H₅C_(p)H_(2p)—,         C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄—, C_(p)H_(2p+1)C₆H₄C_(n)H_(2n)—,         CH₂═CHC_(p)H_(2p)—, CH₂═CHC₆H₅—, CH₂═CHCH₂—, CH₂═CHCH₂CH₂—,         -   and X⁻ is as previously defined,     -   where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably         from 1 to 12), and p is an integer having a value from 1 to 48         (preferably from 1 to 12). R¹¹ is preferably CH₃.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the redox-switchable systems can be as defined in scheme (15):

-   -   wherein R¹¹ and X are as previously defined in scheme (14). R¹¹         is preferably CH₃.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the redox-switchable systems can be as defined in scheme (16):

-   -   wherein R¹² is phenyl, naphtyl, pyridyl, furyl, or thiophenyl,         R¹² being unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 3 substituents         selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OH, a C₁-C₆         alkoxy, a C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, (CH₃)₂N—, (C₂H₅)₂N—,         (C₃H₇)₂N—, (C₄H₉)₂N—, (i-Pr)₂N—, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is linear or         branched, C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P,         Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, and Me₃P═N—; X⁻ is as previously         defined,     -   where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably 1         to 12). R¹² is preferably phenyl.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the redox-switchable systems can be as defined in scheme (17):

-   -   wherein         -   R¹² is phenyl, naphtyl, pyridyl, furyl, or thiophenyl, R¹²             being unsubstituted or substituted with 1 to 3 substituents             selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, Br, I, OH, a             C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl             which is linear or branched, C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, C₁-C₆             alkoxy, OC₆H₅, and OCH₂—C₆H₅;         -   R¹³ and R¹⁴ are the same or different and are selected from             the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, H, CN, NO₂,             (CH₃)₂N—, (C₂H₅)₂N—, (C₃H₇)₂N—, (C₄H₉)₂N—, (i-Pr)₂N—, C₁-C₁₂             alkyl which is linear or branched, C_(n)H_(2n+1), Ph₂P(O)—,             Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, Me₃P═N—,             —SO₂H, —SO₂CF₃, —NSO₂CF₃, —SO₂CH₃, and —NSO₂CH₃; and X⁻ is             as previously defined;     -   where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48 (preferably 1         to 12). Preferably, R¹² is phenyl, R¹³ is CN, and R¹⁴ is H.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the redox-switchable systems can be as defined in scheme (18):

-   -   wherein R¹² is phenyl, naphtyl, pyridyl, furyl, or thiophenyl,         R¹² being unsubstituted or substituted with F, Cl, Br, I, OH,         C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is linear or branched, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a         C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, OC₆H₅, OCH₂—C₆H₅, CF₃, or C₂F₅,         and X⁻ is as previously defined. R¹² is preferably phenyl.

The person skilled in the art would clearly recognize that the redox-switchable systems of the present invention can include the compositions and the redox couples of the invention. The person skilled in the art would also clearly recognize that in the redox-switchable systems of the present invention, as defined in any one of the previously presented schemes, the compounds represented in brackets “[ ]” are redox couples as previously defined in the present invention, and that the compounds which are not in brackets represent the compounds as found in the compositions according to the present invention.

The compositions and the redox-switchable systems can further comprise a polymer (such as polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorides, polystyrenes, polyesters, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, or polyethylenetherephtalates), a solvent (such as those previously defined in the present invention), a molten salt, an ionic liquid, a gel or a combination thereof.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a photovoltaic cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and a redox couple as defined in the present invention.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a photovoltaic cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and a redox-switchable system as defined in the present invention.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a photovoltaic cell comprising an anode, a cathode, a redox couple as defined in the present invention, and a solvent (such as those previously defined), a polymer (such as polyethyleneoxides, polyphosphazenes, etc.), a molten salt, an ionic liquid, a gel or any combination thereof.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an anti-static agent comprising any one of the compositions defined in the present invention. The anti-static agent is preferably comprised within a matrix. The matrix can be a polymer (such as polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorides, polystyrenes, polyesters, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, or polyethylenetherephtalates), a solvent (such as those previously defined in the present invention), a paper, a textile, clothes, an ink, a wax, a cleaning composition, a softening agent or composition, a petroleum-based composition, a composition comprising volatile or flammable ingredients, molded objects, shaped articles, articles comprising a polymer, electronic devices (such as a computer, TV, DVD, CD player, etc.).

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an anti-static agent comprising a first compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of formulas (I), (III), (V), and (VII), and a second compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of formulas (II), (IV), (VI), and (VIII) wherein the compounds are as previously defined. The anti-static agent is preferably comprised within a matrix. The matrix can be a polymer (such as polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorides, polystyrenes, polyesters, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, or polyethylenetherephtalates), a solvent (such as those previously defined in the present invention), a textile, clothes, an ink, a wax, a cleaning composition, a softening composition or agent, a petroleum-based composition, a composition comprising volatile or flammable ingredients, molded objects, shaped articles, articles comprising a polymer, electronic devices (such as a computer, TV, DVD, CD player, etc.).

The person skilled in the art will understand that, when possible, all the preferred embodiments mentioned concerning the compositions of the invention also apply to the anti-static agents of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Further features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments as illustrated by way of examples in the appended figures wherein:

FIG. 1 shows UV-visible absorption spectra comparing a 1,3-ethylmethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfinimide) (EMI-TFSI) solution comprising 600 mM of EMI-I and 20 mM of 12, and a EMI-TFSI solution comprising 100 mM of 1-methylimidazole (MI) and 100 mM of 1-methylimidazolium-TFSI (MI⁺H TFSI⁻) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cyclic voltammogram at a platinum electrode of an acetonitrile solution comprising 60 mM of triphenylphosphine (Ph₃P), 20 mM of triphenylphosphonium-TFSI (Ph₃P⁺H TFSI⁻) and 20 mM of tetrabutylammoniumperchlorate (TBAP) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows another cyclic voltammogram at a platinum electrode of a EMI-TFSI solution comprising 28 mM of MI and 28 mM of MI⁺H TFSI⁻ according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows still another cyclic voltammogram at a glassy carbon electrode of an acetonitrile solution comprising 40 mM of triphenyl(phosphranylidene)acetonitrile (Ph₃P═CHCN), 40 mM of triphenylphosphoniumacetonitrile-TFSI (Ph₃P⁺—CH₂CN TFSI⁻) and 40 mM of TBAP according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 shows still another cyclic voltammogram at a glassy carbon electrode of an acetonitrile solution comprising 50 mM of diphenylsulfide (Ph₂S), 50 mM of diphenylsulfonium-TFSI (Ph₂S⁺H TFSI⁻) and 50 mM of TBAP according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following non-limiting examples further illustrate the invention.

Ph₃P/Ph₃P⁺H(TFSI⁻), MI/MI⁺H(TFSI⁻), Ph₃P═CHCN/Ph₃P⁺—CH₂CN(TFSI⁻) and Ph₂S/Ph₂S⁺H(TFSI⁻) compositions (or electron activable precursors to redox couples) have been prepared according to the following general method. These compositions are indicated using the following nomenclature: basic member / protonated member.

General Procedure

The same general procedure was applied to prepare all the above mentioned compositions. 0.1 mole of the basic member (Ph₃P, MI, Ph₃P═CHCN or Ph₂S) was charged into a two-neck flask with magnetic stirrer. Hydrochloric acid (0.1 N) was slowly added into the flask until the total solubility of the product. Then, 30 mL of a solution of one equivalent of KTFSI in distilled water was added to the reaction mixture. A white precipitate was appearing. The corresponding target salt for each of the previously mentioned basic members, i.e. the corresponding protonated members were isolated by filtration and dried under vacuum.

The protonated members, Ph₃P⁺H(TFSI⁻), MI⁺H(TFSI⁻), Ph₃P⁺—CH₂CN(TFSI⁻) and Ph₂S⁺H(TFSI⁻), have been confirmed using ¹³C, ¹H and ³¹ P-NMR.

Then, for a given composition, the basic member and the protonated member have been mixed together and dissolved into a solvent so as to obtain the aforementioned compositions. In certain tests (cyclic voltammograms), these conditions are electron-activated so as to be converted into the correpsonding redox couples and redox-switchable systems. Alternatively, the compositions of the present invention can be prepared by adding, to the basic member, a quantity of an acid (HTFSI), which is less than 1 equimolar of the basic member, so as to directly obtain the desired composition.

FIG. 1 represents UV-visible absorption spectra of a EMI-TFSI solution comprising 600 mM of EMI-I and 20 mM of I₂ (typical of the redox electrolyte used in dye-sensitized solar cells) and of a EMI-TFSI solution comprising 100 mM of MI and 100 mM of MI⁺H TFSI⁻ (as prepared following the general procedure).

The absorption spectra are analyzed in Table 1, which give the absorbance of the two solutions from 300 nm (near-UV) to 700 nm as obtained using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer; the scanning speed was 150 nm/s. TABLE 1 Wavelength Absorbance (nm) I⁻/I₂ MI/MI⁺H 300 2.817 0.810 350 2.361 0.243 400 2.895 0.102 450 2.921 0.045 500 2.829 0.033 550 1.667 0.026 600 0.640 0.022 650 0.127 0.020 700 0.023 0.017

As it can be seen from FIG. 1 and Table 1, the I⁻/I₂ composition strongly absorbs in the visible region of the light spectrum, particularly between 400 and 600 nm, whereas the MI/MI⁺H composition does not show any significant absorption in this wavelength range. Thus, this clearly demonstrates that the MI/MI⁺H composition would permit to considerably avoid the decrease in the energy conversion efficiency.

FIG. 2 represents a cyclic voltammogram at a platinum electrode having a surface area of 0.020 cm² with a Ag wire and a platinum electrode (0.5 cm²) as the reference and counter electrode, respectively. The electrodes were immersed in an acetonitrile solution comprising 60 mM of Ph₃P, 20 mM of Ph₃P⁺H TFSI⁻ (as prepared following the general procedure) and 20 mM of TBAP according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The scanning speed was 100 mV/s. As it can be seen from FIG. 2, the redox couple generated from the Ph₃P/Ph₃P⁺H composition was tested in order to determine its electrochemical properties at a platinum electrode. The analysis shows that the redox couple obtained from the composition Ph₃P/Ph₃P⁺H possesses a very good electrochemical behavior at this electrode. In particular, the difference between the anodic (E_(pa)) and cathodic (E_(pc)) peak potentials, symbolized as ΔE_(p), is 0.48 V. The redox potential is about +0.13 V.

FIG. 3 represents a cyclic voltammogram at a platinum electrode having a surface area of 0.020 cm² with a Ag wire and a platinum electrode (0.5 cm²) as the reference and counter electrode, respectively. The electrodes were immersed in a EMI-TFSI solution comprising 28 mM of MI and 28 mM of MI⁺H TFSI⁻ according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The scanning speed was 100 mV/s.

As it can be seen from FIG. 3, the redox couple obtained from the MI/MI⁺H composition was tested in order to determine its electrochemical properties at a platinum electrode. The analysis shows that such a redox couple possesses an outstanding electrochemical behavior at this electrode; in particular, the ΔE_(p) value is only 0.12 V. The redox potential is about +0.30 V.

FIG. 4 represents a cyclic voltammogram at a glassy carbon electrode having a surface area of 0.071 cm² with a Ag wire and a platinum electrode (0.5 cm²) as the reference and counter electrode, respectively. The electrodes were immersed in an acetonitrile solution comprising 40 mM of Ph₃P═CHCN, 40 mM of Ph₃P⁺—CH₂CN TFSI⁻ (as prepared following the general procedure) and 40 mM of TBAP according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The scanning speed was 100 mV/s.

As it can be seen from FIG. 4, the redox couple obtained from the Ph₃P═CHCN/Ph₃P⁺—CH₂CN composition was tested in order to determine its electrochemical properties at a platinum electrode. The analysis shows that such a redox couple possesses an excellent electrochemical behavior at this electrode; in particular, the ΔE_(p) value is only 0.19 V. The redox potential is about +0.68 V.

FIG. 5 represents a cyclic voltammogram at a glassy carbon electrode having a surface area of 0.071 cm² with a Ag wire and a platinum electrode (0.5 cm²) as the reference and counter electrode, respectively. The electrodes were immersed in an acetonitrile solution comprising 50 mM of Ph₂S, 50 mM of Ph₂S⁺H TFSI⁻ (as prepared following the general procedure) and 50 mM of TBAP according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The scanning speed was 100 mV/s.

As it can be seen from FIG. 5, the redox couple obtained from the Ph₂S/Ph₂S⁺H composition was tested in order to determine its electrochemical properties at a platinum electrode. The analysis shows that the redox couple possesses an outstanding electrochemical behavior at this electrode; in particular, the ΔE_(p) value is only 0.15 V. Moreover, the redox potential is highly electronegative with an unsual value of −0.86 V.

Table 2 gives the ionic conductivity values, at 25° C., of hexane solutions comprising trioctylphosphine (basic member) and trioctylphosphonium-TFSI (protonated member as prepared following the general procedure) at various concentrations. In these case both members of the solution have the same concentration. The measurements were carried out using a conductivity cell and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. TABLE 2 Concentration (mM) 500 250 125 61.3 30.0 15.0 7.50 3.75 Ionic 92.4 66.4 20.3 6.64 2.26 0.20 0.19 0.01 conductivity (μS/cm)

As it can be seen from Table 2, the trioctylphosphine/trioctylphosphonium composition was tested in order to determine its ionic conductivity values as a function of concentration in a non-polar solvent (hexane) to evaluate its anti-static properties. The analyses show that this composition of the two aforesaid compounds acts as an excellent anti-static agent with very high ionic conductivity values even at concentrations below 4 mM. It is noteworthy that compounds with conductivity values greater than 10⁻³ μS/cm in such non-polar solvents are considered as very interesting anti-static agents. Moreover, for the utilization as anti-static agents more than one composition can be mixed together. Alternatively, the protonated member of a particular composition can be used in combination with the basic member of another composition so as to obtain different compositions (or crossed compositions), e.g. MI/Ph₃P⁺H(TFSI⁻), Ph₃P/MI⁺H(TFSI⁻), Ph₃P═CHCN/Ph₃P⁺H(TFSI⁻), Ph₃P/Ph₂S⁺H(TFSI⁻), MI/Ph₂S⁺H(TFSI⁻), etc.

While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth, and as follows in the scope of the appended claims. 

1.-30. (canceled)
 31. A compound of formula (IV) or (IVa):

wherein R⁴ is a phenyl group; R⁵ is a phenyl group; R⁶ is a C₂-C₈ alkenyl; R¹² is phenyl, naphtyl, pyridyl, furyl, or thiophenyl, R¹² being unsubstituted or substituted with F, Cl, Br, I, OH, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy, a C₁-C₆ hydroxy alkyl, NO₂, CN, (CH₃)₂N—, (C₂H₅)₂N—, (C₃H₇)₂N—, (C₄H₉)₂N—, (i-Pr)₂N—, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl which is linear or branched, C_(n)H₂₊₁, Ph₂P(O)—, Ph₂P—, Me₂P(O)—, Me₂P, Ph₂P(S), Me₂P(S), Ph₃P═N—, or Me₃P═N—; and X⁻ is (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₃C ⁻, CF₃SO₃ ⁻, CF₃COO⁻, AsF₆ ⁻, CH₃COO⁻, (CN)₂N⁻, NO₃ ⁻, 2.3HF, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, ClO₄ ⁻, saccharin(o-benzoic sulfimide), (C₈H₁₆SO₂)₂N⁻, or C₃H₃N₂ ⁻. where n is an integer having a value from 1 to 48, with the proviso that when R¹² is phenyl, X⁻ is different than PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, and ClO₄ ⁻.
 32. The compound of claim 31, wherein said compound is of formula (IV) and R⁶ is a C₂ alkenyl.
 33. The compound of claim 31, wherein said compound is of formula (IV) and X⁻ is PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻ (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, or (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻.
 34. The compound of claim 32, wherein X⁻ is PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, or (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻.
 35. The compound of claim 31, wherein said compound is of formula (IV) and X⁻ is PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, or (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻.
 36. The compound of claim 32, wherein X⁻ is PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, or (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻.
 37. The compound of claim 31, wherein said compound is of formula (IV) and X⁻ is (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻.
 38. The compound of claim 32, wherein X⁻ is (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻.
 39. The compound of claim 31, wherein said compound is of formula (IVa) and X⁻ is (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, or (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻.
 40. The compound of claim 31, wherein said compound is of formula (IVa) and X⁻ is (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻.
 41. An anti-static agent comprising a compound as defined in claim
 31. 42. A method of using a compound as defined in claim 31, comprising the step of using said compound as a protonated member of a precursor to a redox couple.
 43. A method of using a compound as defined in claim 31, comprising the step of mixing said compound together with a compound of formula (III) or (IIIa):

in order to obtain a precursor to a redox couple.
 44. The method of claim 43, wherein said method comprises mixing together a compound of formula (III) and a compound of formula (IV).
 45. The method of claim 43, wherein said method comprises mixing together a compound of formula (IIIa) and a compound of formula (IVa).
 46. A compound of formula (IVb):

wherein X⁻ is (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₃C⁻, CF₃SO₃ ⁻, CF₃COO⁻, AsF₆ ⁻, CH₃COO⁻, (CN)₂N⁻, NO₃ ⁻, 2.3HF, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, saccharin(o-benzoic sulfimide), (C₈H₁₆SO₂)₂N⁻, or C₃H₃N₂ ⁻.
 47. The compound of claims 46, wherein X⁻ is (FSO₂)₂N⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, or (C₂F₅SO₂)₂N⁻.
 48. The compound of claim 46 wherein X⁻ is (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻.
 49. An anti-static agent comprising a compound as defined in claim
 46. 50. A method of using a compound as defined in claim 46, comprising the step of mixing said compound together with triphenylphosphine in order to obtain a precursor to a redox couple.
 51. A method of using a compound as defined in claim 46, comprising the step of using said compound as a protonated member of a precursor to a redox couple. 